The usual suspects dominate our Super Rugby XV for the week

It's the Lions and Kings that keep dishing up candidates for a weekly select team in this year's tournament.


It’s beginning to sound like a broken record but the Lions and Kings dominate our team of the week.

But can you blame us? They’re the only sides dishing up rugby worth watching!

15 – Warrick Gelant (Bulls)

The exciting former Junior Springbok is known for his explosive attacking talents. It was great to see him being able to adapt and do that in Loftus’ muddy conditions.

14 – Alshaun Bock (Kings)

Three hours before kickoff in PE, the 34-year-old veteran didn’t even know he was going to play. 80 minutes later, he scored two tries and set up another in a brilliant showing.

13 – Francois Venter (Cheetahs)

Another heroic effort from the skipper in a losing cause. The Bok midfielder proved a constant nuisance on attack – scoring a try – and defended well.

12 – Harold Vorster (Lions)

What a strong lad this fellow is. He’s always looking to straighten the line and completed all 8 his tackles without missing one.

11 – Courtnall Skosan (Lions)

He’s not just a try-scoring machine but a man willing to do the donkey work too.

10 – Lionel Cronje (Kings)

On current form, he’s actually Springbok material. What a thought.

9 – Ross Cronje (Lions)

He didn’t start particularly well but gradually found his composure.

8 – Warren Whiteley (Lions)

This man’s work ethic is unbelievable. 13 tackles, three turnovers and magnificent captaincy under pressure.

7 – Jean-Luc du Preez (Sharks)

This young man is a magnificent ball-carrier but good attacking sides do tend to target his vulnerable defending. However, the dedication can’t be faulted.

6 – Chris Cloete (Kings)

His claims for higher honours can’t be ignored anymore.

5 – Franco Mostert (Lions)

One of the most valuable players in this year’s tournament. He bossed the collisions, made an incredible 16 tackles and poached three vital Brumbies lineouts.

4 – Irne Herbst (Kings)

He’s an underrated performer, especially as an “enforcer” doing the unfashionable work.

3 – Ruan Dreyer (Lions)

He made a massive impact coming on as a replacement. The Lions scrum found an extra gear when he came on, while his defence was robust.

2 – Malcolm Marx (Lions)

Flourished with Dreyer as substitute. He tackled superbly and carried with ball with vigour.

1 – Schalk van der Merwe (Kings)

Finally, we see why the Lions were so sad to let him go in 2015. He scrummed like a boss against a Springbok front-row.

Click here for last week’s XV. 

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